Rodrigo Duterte Arrested: ICC Warrants Justice for Philippines’ Brutal “War on Drugs”

In a dramatic turn of events, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on Tuesday upon his arrival at Manila airport from Hong Kong. The arrest follows an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity linked to his deadly “war on drugs,” which left thousands dead during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.

Photo: Government of the Philippines, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Arrest and Immediate Fallout

Duterte, 79, was taken into custody by Philippine police after Interpol Manila received the ICC’s arrest warrant. Footage showed the former leader walking out of the airport with a cane, visibly defiant. In a video shared by his daughter, Veronica Duterte, he questioned the legality of his arrest, demanding to know, “What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?”

His former spokesperson, Salvador Panelo, called the arrest “unlawful,” citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019. However, the ICC maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed before the withdrawal, including Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.

The “War on Drugs”: A Legacy of Bloodshed

Duterte’s presidency was defined by his brutal crackdown on drugs, which he launched with fiery rhetoric, urging police and civilians to kill drug suspects. Official figures report over 6,000 deaths, but human rights groups estimate the toll could be as high as 30,000, with most victims being poor, young men from urban areas.

Critics argue that the campaign disproportionately targeted low-level drug users and pushers while failing to dismantle major drug networks. Investigations revealed systemic abuses, including police planting evidence and falsifying death certificates to justify killings. Duterte, however, has remained unapologetic, famously stating, “I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it, I did it for my country.”

A Divisive Figure in Philippine Politics

Duterte, often dubbed the “Donald Trump of the East,” remains a polarizing figure. His populist rhetoric and tough-on-crime stance earned him widespread support, particularly in Mindanao, his home region. However, his administration’s human rights record drew international condemnation.

His daughter, Sara Duterte, the current vice-president, is seen as a potential presidential candidate in 2028. However, the Duterte family’s alliance with incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has frayed, with Marcos initially refusing to cooperate with the ICC but later signaling openness to collaboration.

Global and Domestic Reactions

Human rights groups hailed the arrest as a historic moment for justice. Leila de Lima, a former senator and vocal critic of Duterte who was jailed under his administration, said, “This is not about vengeance. This is about justice finally taking its course.”

The ICC’s investigation covers alleged crimes from November 2011, when Duterte was mayor of Davao City, to March 2019. While the Philippine government has yet to confirm whether Duterte will be extradited to The Hague, activists are urging Marcos to cooperate fully with the ICC.

What’s Next for Duterte?

As Duterte faces the prospect of trial, his arrest marks a pivotal moment in the Philippines’ reckoning with its recent past. For the families of the thousands killed in the drug war, it offers a glimmer of hope for accountability. Yet, with Duterte’s enduring popularity and the complex dynamics of Philippine politics, the road to justice remains fraught with challenges.

What do you think about Duterte’s arrest and the ICC’s involvement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!